As winter looms, there’s a lot to look forward to—but also a lot to dread. Curling up in front of the fireplace, drinking hot cocoa and weekend ski trips are certainly winter highs—whereas one of winter’s biggest bummers is condensation, which tends to form on the inside of windowpanes as temperatures drop.
In many cases, condensation on your windows might be perfectly normal. But depending on the severity, excessive window condensation can be indicative of a larger issue, and if left untreated, it could ultimately lead to unpleasant smells, mildew or mold.
To learn more, we turned to two home improvement professionals: Jesua Jiminez and Jeanette Palencia. The married couple and home improvement duo are Handyman Experts with Airtasker, a popular task outsourcing app, where they have a 5-star rating based on more than 200 reviews. Based in Southern California, Jiminez and Palencia’s services include window installation and cleaning, various home repairs, custom woodworking, electrical work and so much more.
Below, Jiminez and Palencia share everything you need to know about winter window condensation, including why condensation forms on windows in winter, when it’s normal vs. when it’s a risk, how to reduce window condensation, how to prevent it and more.
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Why Condensation Forms on the Inside of Windows as Temperatures Drop
“Windows are typically the coldest surface in a heated room,” Jiminez and Palencia explain. “When the temperature outside drops, condensation on windows will start to form because the cold air is coming into contact with warm air from the inside.”
Even if you aren’t running your heat yet, your home is still most likely warmer than it is outside. That’s because activities like cooking, showering and even breathing add humidity and moisture to the air—“and the more moisture in the air, the warmer a window can be while still collecting condensation,” per Jiminez and Palencia.
In addition to humidity, your home’s insulation also “determines how cold the inside of a glass gets,” the duo explains. “Depending on the window and installation, insulation can determine where condensation starts within a window. Items such as curtains or closed blinds can impact the condensation buildup by trapping cold air against the glass.”
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When Is Condensation Normal, and When Is It a Warning Sign of Excessive Moisture or Mold Risk?
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“Condensation is normal when it appears during everyday activities, such as after showering or cooking,” according to Jiminez and Palencia. As long as window condensation “disappear[s] within a few minutes or hours,” it’s nothing to worry about.
However, condensation “becomes a problem when it lasts all day,” they explain. “It can lead to stains or give you a smell that can circulate throughout the house.”
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How Does Moisture Between Windowpanes Differ from Condensation on Room-Facing Glass?
“Condensation forming within room-facing glass means the indoor humidity is coming into contact with a cold surface,” and its completely normal, per Jiminez and Palencia. However, for homeowners who have a double pane window, it’s important to know that moisture between the two windowpanes is not normal.
“If you see moisture between windowpanes, there’s a high chance the window seal is damaged,” say Jiminez and Palencia. “This means the windowpane is letting outside air into the sealed space between the panes.”
If you’ve noticed condensation between two windowpanes in your home, you should consult with a professional, as the window glass will most likely need to be replaced or repaired.
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3 Ways to Reduce Condensation on the Inside of Windows
1. Run exhaust fans
Aekprachaya Ayuyuen / Getty Images
If you’ve been noticing condensation on your windows, try using “a kitchen extractor hood while cooking and bathroom fans when showering,” advise Jiminez and Palencia. “This will help circulate the air and help reduce condensation from the inside.”
To take things a step further than exhaust fans, you might consider energy recovery ventilators (ERVs) or heat recovery ventilators (HRVs). Like exhaust fans, these “help provide ventilation throughout the house by replacing moist indoor air with cold air,” the couple notes.
2. Get a dehumidifier
“A dehumidifier can help reduce humidity that may build up within a room,” according to Jiminez and Palencia. If you do buy a humidifier, “make sure to pay close attention to the levels of your dehumidifier to prevent too much humidity in your home,” they advise.
3. Wipe the glass dry
“If you notice water forming on the window, make sure to wipe it down ASAP,” Jiminez and Palencia recommend. “Preventing water from slipping into cracks is a great way to reduce any condensation.”
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4 Ways to Prevent Condensation from Forming on the Inside of Windows
1. Open your curtains
Denis Borisov / Getty Images
If you often leave your drapes shut all day, winter is a good time to get in the habit of opening them each morning.
“Open drapes or curtains so the air can circulate,” Jiminez and Palencia advise. That’s because “heavy window coverings can trap air and cause condensation.” Plus, with reduced sunlight in the winter, keeping shades open can bring some much-needed sunshine to your day.
2. Check your vents and exhaust fans
Jiminez and Palencia recommend checking all of your vents and exhaust fans for clogs, noting that “they should be cleaned on a regular basis.” Plus, “in addition to being clean, check outside to make sure the outside units are running properly.”
3. Reduce your houseplant collection
Helin Loik-Tomson / Getty Images
There are many benefits to filling your home with plants—but if your’e dealing with excessive window condensation or humidity problems, you may want to reconsider your indoor plant collection during the winter.
“Some plants can add to the humidity issues,” per Jiminez and Palencia. “Be mindful of the number of plants you have in your home.”
I actually have the opposite problem: My apartment tends to feel very dry in the winter, even when I use a humidifier. So this winter, I might invest in some houseplants to help keep my home more humid.
4. Purchase a hygrometer
For around $10, you can pick up a hygrometer, which “measures the amount of humidity in the air,” per Jiminez and Palencia. This way, you can see if your moisture levels are too high and if you need professional help.
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Jesua Jiminez and Jeanette Palencia, Handyman Experts with Airtasker.Hence then, the article about if your windows have condensation on the inside here s what 2 home experts say to do was published today ( ) and is available on Parade ( Saudi Arabia ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
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